Thougts on a 9 day hospital visit

[_MeDotOrg]

Many years ago I was in a bicycle accident and tore my ACL, had by knee rebuilt and some vascular repair.
A couple of months ago, I started getting calf cramps in the leg that had the surgery. My primary physician at Kaiser said it was due to a potassium deficiency and had me take a potassium supplement. Because the cramping was only in the leg that had the surgery, I had my doubts about his diagnosis, but didn't say anything. He's the doctor, right?

About 12 days ago I started getting black and blue marks on my shin and red mottling on my foot. I went back to my primary care doctor. He said it was shin splints, prescribed pain pills and told me to use cold compresses and rest. I went home, but the diagnosis didn't make Washington sense to me. A friend who knows the ins and outs of our HMO (Kaiser Permanente) said I should go to the injury clinic at Kaiser.

The injury clinic doctor took one look at my leg, ordered a CT scan and an ultrasound, then gave me a referral to a vascular surgeon. I was admitted that day in the Emergency room. I spent 2 days in the hospital before the surgery because the vascular surgeon was afraid that the blood clots could move.

Turns out I had a 5-inch aneurism in my let, along with deep vein thrombosis and blood clots. I had surgery last Monday, and was released on Saturday. I'm currently staying with a friend for a few weeks.

The moral of the story? listen to your body. Don't assume your Doctor knows best. If a diagnosis doesn't feel right, push back.

[_ajax18]

Wow, you've been through it. I think you're right. The patient lives with the condition and ultimately has to manage his disease. I'm just glad you were able to get a second opinion.

[_gramps]

Hope you are feeling better, and healing is going well.

[_Doctor CamNC4Me]

Jesus that was a close call.

It pays to know the ins and outs of your provider. Here's to a speedy recovery for you!

- Doc

[_subgenius]

2nd opinions are the norm for me, regardless of my gut feeling.